S5500 vs Oly C-770/C-765

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Yes,

I have tested both out in a local camera store. The S5100/5500 has much more snappy performance (Start-up, focus lock, etc...). If you will be shooting indoors as well as outdoors, I would recommend the 5500. It has a focus-assist lamp and brighter, faster lens.

If you will be primarliy shooting outdoors, then the Oly does a very good job and may produce a more appealing image. See samples here:

http://www.pbase.com/wayne_n/c770_favourites

This will boil down to personal preferences for color and your photographic needs.

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Cheers derek,

Fantastic pictures!

I'll be using the cam for wildlife and landscapes while in south america. I was just about to get the S5500 but those pics are making me unsure again, after I thought I'd make a decision at last

Anyone know of any landscapes taken with the S5500 I could look at online to compare?

Cheers,

Rupert

DerekSurfs said:

I have tested both out in a local camera store. The S5100/5500 has
much more snappy performance (Start-up, focus lock, etc...). If
you will be shooting indoors as well as outdoors, I would
recommend the 5500. It has a focus-assist lamp and brighter,
faster lens.

If you will be primarliy shooting outdoors, then the Oly does a
very good job and may produce a more appealing image. See
samples here:

http://www.pbase.com/wayne_n/c770_favourites

This will boil down to personal preferences for color and your
photographic needs.

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Click to expand...

Yes,

Those pictures are Wayne's from the Oly forum. When I first saw them I was shocked how good they were. I told him the quality rivaled even DSLRs. I use a Canon 10D and I am looking for a decent compact as well.

Let me just say that Wayne is a bit of a spoiler. While he does show what the 770 is capable of at its' best, his photos speaks Volumes of his talent .

Some have commented that you could give Wayne a 1 mp piece of junk and he would still blow most of us away with his photos.

Personally I have always liked Olympus natural colors and manual controls. But performance varies from camera to camera. As an outdoor camera the 770 has been very well recieved by its users on the Oly forum. To see a detailed review go here:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C770/C77A12.HTM

The S5500 is relatively new with very few critical reviews and samples available yet. No camera is perfect and I would like to hear more about the real world cons of the 5500. The only real con I have read so far is that it exhibits vignetting in many photos. See the review here:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/fuji/finepix_s5100-review/index.shtml

As I mentioned before, the big con of the 770 is its slower focusing (hunting) in lower light - a deal breaker for me and I really like this camera.

For outdoor photography I think you will be happy with either camera.

Here is what I recommend in your case. Since you have narrowed it down to these two cameras and they both take xD cards, get a card first and use it in both cameras. Then test them out with similar shots and pick the one that gives you the most pleasing photos.

Some even buy both and then take back the one they like least within the return period. That sometimes gets a little expensive. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

Derek

rups said:

Fantastic pictures!

I'll be using the cam for wildlife and landscapes while in south
america. I was just about to get the S5500 but those pics are
making me unsure again, after I thought I'd make a decision at last


Anyone know of any landscapes taken with the S5500 I could look at
online to compare?

Cheers,

Rupert

DerekSurfs said:

I have tested both out in a local camera store. The S5100/5500 has
much more snappy performance (Start-up, focus lock, etc...). If
you will be shooting indoors as well as outdoors, I would
recommend the 5500. It has a focus-assist lamp and brighter,
faster lens.

If you will be primarliy shooting outdoors, then the Oly does a
very good job and may produce a more appealing image. See
samples here:

http://www.pbase.com/wayne_n/c770_favourites

This will boil down to personal preferences for color and your
photographic needs.

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Take a look at this post on the open talk forum, it may help you..

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=11054948

I've just bought the S5500 over the Olympus, due to the low light focussing problems that the Olympus seems to have... I haven't seen any major complaints about the S5500, I am very happy with my purchase so far...

It is bulkier than the Olympus though, but feels so much nicer to hold... Once you get your hands on them both in the shops, you'll know which one feels right for you.

Good luck and enjoy south america!
C

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

Have you tried your s5500 indoors yet? If so, how would you say it focuses? Are you satisfied with the photos in lower light?

Thanks,

Derek

Cags888 said:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=11054948

I've just bought the S5500 over the Olympus, due to the low light
focussing problems that the Olympus seems to have... I haven't seen
any major complaints about the S5500, I am very happy with my
purchase so far...

It is bulkier than the Olympus though, but feels so much nicer to
hold... Once you get your hands on them both in the shops, you'll
know which one feels right for you.

Good luck and enjoy south america!
C

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Yes, I've played around with it indoors and the AF assist lamp comes on quite a lot - I struggle to wonder how other cameras focus without it... and by the sound of things, they struggle!

The S5500 seems to focus pretty well overall. I don't have a comparison, but I've found that the camera struggles a little sometimes when the zoom is fully extended indoors, otherwise, focusing does not seem to be a problem.

Hope this helps,
C

DerekSurfs said:

Thanks,

Derek

Cags888 said:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=11054948

I've just bought the S5500 over the Olympus, due to the low light
focussing problems that the Olympus seems to have... I haven't seen
any major complaints about the S5500, I am very happy with my
purchase so far...

It is bulkier than the Olympus though, but feels so much nicer to
hold... Once you get your hands on them both in the shops, you'll
know which one feels right for you.

Good luck and enjoy south america!
C

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Click to expand...

Ehi i've take a trip around to see other photos from wayne and it seems to me that he's a really good photographer and also che oly 770 is great cam but i cannot find myself some interpoled sample (i'm courios to see how they perform).

Maybe i'll post a request on Oly forum and if i can i'll try a live comparision at a store with the s5500.

Thank you,

Yes it does help. This also confirms what I discovered while handling it in a local camera store. It felt very responsive indoors compared to other cameras in this class.

Derek

Cags888 said:

The S5500 seems to focus pretty well overall. I don't have a
comparison, but I've found that the camera struggles a little
sometimes when the zoom is fully extended indoors, otherwise,
focusing does not seem to be a problem.

Hope this helps,
C

DerekSurfs said:

Thanks,

Derek

Cags888 said:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=11054948

I've just bought the S5500 over the Olympus, due to the low light
focussing problems that the Olympus seems to have... I haven't seen
any major complaints about the S5500, I am very happy with my
purchase so far...

It is bulkier than the Olympus though, but feels so much nicer to
hold... Once you get your hands on them both in the shops, you'll
know which one feels right for you.

Good luck and enjoy south america!
C

rups said:

Hi forum,

It's time to stop lurking and ask for some advice! I'm in the
market for a good quality, compact but functional digicam for
taking travelling to south america. I'm probably going to get the
fuji S5500 but I've just seen the Olympus C-765/770. Anyone used
these cams and have anything to say about them? I have to say I've
had a play with the S5500 and really like the SLR feel of it. I
used to have a film SLR and would like to have something that I can
experiment with aswell and take snaps. I would like to do some big
prints of the better pictures so picture quality is a priority!

Thanks in advance for your views

Rupert

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Derek

It would be great to see a comparison of similar shots from both cameras if you get a chance.

Derek

mordor74 said:

Ehi i've take a trip around to see other photos from wayne and it
seems to me that he's a really good photographer and also che oly
770 is great cam but i cannot find myself some interpoled sample
(i'm courios to see how they perform).
Maybe i'll post a request on Oly forum and if i can i'll try a live
comparision at a store with the s5500.

Click to expand...

Thanks for all your input guys, I've had a poke around on the forums and looked as posted pictures from both cameras, and it seems they are fairly evenly matched as far as image quality goes. The vignetting issue with the fuji seems to have been a bit over-estimated. I've handled both cameras and definately prefer the fuji, and with it's superior speed and indoor performance aswell it seems like a no-brainer

It seems to be the current vogue to post S5500 pics on here at the mo so if I get any good ones I'll put them up to help anyone else making the same decision....

Cheers!

Rupert

Rupert,

I am glad to hear you have made decision! I don't think you will regret it.

I have been researching these compact cameras for a long time for my wife's Christmas present for family photos. I have narrowed it down to the 5100/5500 and 2 Pentax cameras (450, 555). They each seem to have their strengths as well as weaknesses. But I think the weaknesses are livable for me.

Please post some shots with your new 5500 if you get a chance. I will be deciding soon myself.

Thanks,
Derek

rups said:

Thanks for all your input guys, I've had a poke around on the
forums and looked as posted pictures from both cameras, and it
seems they are fairly evenly matched as far as image quality goes.
The vignetting issue with the fuji seems to have been a bit
over-estimated. I've handled both cameras and definately prefer the
fuji, and with it's superior speed and indoor performance aswell it
seems like a no-brainer

It seems to be the current vogue to post S5500 pics on here at the
mo so if I get any good ones I'll put them up to help anyone else
making the same decision....

Cheers!

Rupert

Click to expand...

--
Derek

I looked at the pentax cams aswell but they were a bit more expensive and had the silver rectange thing going on

Well, my S5500 is on it's way so I'll try to get out and about this weekend and try to take some pics to post up here!

Cheers for the help, good luck with your decision

Rupert

DerekSurfs said:

I am glad to hear you have made decision! I don't think you will
regret it.

I have been researching these compact cameras for a long time for
my wife's Christmas present for family photos. I have narrowed it
down to the 5100/5500 and 2 Pentax cameras (450, 555). They each
seem to have their strengths as well as weaknesses. But I think
the weaknesses are livable for me.

Please post some shots with your new 5500 if you get a chance. I
will be deciding soon myself.

Thanks,
Derek

rups said:

Thanks for all your input guys, I've had a poke around on the
forums and looked as posted pictures from both cameras, and it
seems they are fairly evenly matched as far as image quality goes.
The vignetting issue with the fuji seems to have been a bit
over-estimated. I've handled both cameras and definately prefer the
fuji, and with it's superior speed and indoor performance aswell it
seems like a no-brainer

It seems to be the current vogue to post S5500 pics on here at the
mo so if I get any good ones I'll put them up to help anyone else
making the same decision....

Cheers!

Rupert

Click to expand...

--
Derek

Click to expand...